The history of Rigas is related to the pre-Columbian origins of El Salvador. The Pipil tribe, a Nahua people, is part of the history of the country previously called Cuzcatlán, which means the place of precious stones.
About the Pipil Culture
The Pipil culture was greatly influenced by the Maya people located in the western part of the country, known for consuming corn in all its forms.
Despite the Spanish conquest of the region in 1522, some remnants of Pipil culture and cuisine have remained.
This is evidenced by the use of corn and plantain leaves, two typically local products that can be found in all kitchens in the region.
Rigas
Rigas differ from pupusas in that the latter are always filled with cheese or beans, but in both cases, the preparation is based on ground or mixed corn.
In some areas of El Salvador, plantain leaves are replaced by corn leaves. In both cases, the aroma of the leaves slowly diffuses into the Rigas as they heat up, imparting a unique flavor.
Cooking food in tree or plant leaves is a very ancient practice that can be found worldwide. Often, the fruit and the leaf are related, but sometimes it's the alchemy of the two flavors that is sought.
For example, certain French cheeses are matured by wrapping them in tree leaves. In some Asian countries, it is rice that is cooked inside a leaf. Some varieties are more aromatic than others. However, be careful not to use any leaf variety because while some are delicious, others can be indigestible or worse, poisonous.
